How To Choose And Install Laminate Flooring For Your Staircase

Laminate flooring is a great option for homeowners that desire beauty combined with simple installation and low cost, and is often used in the bedrooms. While installation is straightforward when dealing with surfaces that are flat, things can become challenging when the material must be installed on stairs. Homeowners who prefer to install laminate themselves don’t need to have specialized training, but it does require a bit of know how. The first thing that must be done is selecting the proper material.

Selecting the Laminate Materials

Laminate floors can be purchased in numerous AC ratings. This rating is a measure of how durable the material is, and the higher the number, the tougher the material. It is an important factor to consider when selecting laminate planks for the stairs, since this area will receive an extensive amount of traffic. Any laminate material chosen for the stairs should have a much higher AC rating than other areas of the home. Once the material is purchased, it will next need to be acclimated before you can commence with the installation.

Installing the Laminate Flooring

The area where you intend to install the flooring must first be prepped. This is done through the removal of carpeting, tacks and overhangs. The subfloor must be level and it should be dry and free of any debris. Laminate installation requires the floor to be comprised of wood or cement. The next thing you will need to do is slice the flooring material so that it matches the shape needed to fit on the floor.

For the stairs you will need to cut a sufficient amount of pieces for each step. An identical number of pieces must be cut in the shape of the stair’s vertical area, and the nose of the laminate should be cut in a manner that allows it to cover the grooves that are exposed. You will need to determine the length of the thread that is exposed, as well as the length for the vertical part and this will then allow you to cut out a section that will cover that spot.

Once all the pieces have been cut you can then begin at the top of the stairs and work downward. This is important as you’ll avoid being stuck at the top when you’re ready to install the laminate. You will next need to use some special glue for wood to insert the laminate pieces at the top of the steps, and then use more of this glue to insert the vertical piece (also known as the riser) beneath it.

The Final Step for Installation

The final step of the installation process is to add the nosing piece to the staircase. Screws will be required to make sure everything is firm and tight. After you’re done, you can then use putty with a color that matches the surrounding surface to conceal the holes. As you can see, while installing laminate on the stairs is a bit more complex than installing on flat surfaces, the process is relatively straightforward. Laminate flooring is a beautiful choice that is affordable, and will last many years when properly cared for.

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